Abstract

The dynamics of Xe clusters irradiated by a high intensity subpicosecond laser pulse is investigated through a relativistic time-dependent three-dimensional particle simulation model. In order to explore the effect of transition from underdense to overdense plasma, we performed calculations for laser wavelengths between 100 and 800 nm. The ionization of clusters and charge accumulation was found to be independent of the laser wavelength, while the removal rate of electrons from the cluster into the intercluster space, mean electron and ion energies, and energy absorption increase with the wavelength.